File AD: Educational Philosophy

As advocates for children, the Board recognizes that the thorough and efficient education of children is its primary statutory-based responsibility. To this end, the Board considers proper and adequate support of schools to be a civic responsibility shared by all citizens.

The school unit will provide an educational environment designed to encourage each student to acquire the necessary skills and perspectives needed for a meaningful life and career. All schools will strive to encourage students to form desirable habits that are necessary for them to become responsible, informed citizens. In general, we aim to have students develop attitudes and practices for satisfying, worthwhile lives.

We believe that all children must be provided equal but not identical opportunities to allow them to achieve at levels commensurate with their abilities. We believe that all students must learn in an environment that allows them to develop positive attitudes toward themselves and genuine respect for others.

A rigorous core curriculum designed to achieve specific learning outcomes will be provided. It will be planned with the goal of creating and maintaining standards which will furnish students with the skills necessary for success in a global society while giving them a broad educational foundation compatible with their interests, aptitudes and aims. The curriculum and graduation requirements will be regularly evaluated to ensure their continued appropriateness.

In order to achieve our goals and to implement this philosophy, we believe that all schools must secure the involvement of the community, students, staff, parents and citizens. Educational responsibility must be shared with important community institutions. We strongly believe that our school system’s success depends on good rapport and cooperation with our communities and its institutions.

The Board recognizes the professional staff as the body that is legally charged with the responsibility of providing education to all children. In fulfilling this responsibility, the staff will seek to ensure the following:

All children will master basic skills in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and technology.

B. Instruction will be provided which is appropriate to each individual with respect to goals, methodology and evaluation.

C. Understanding of students in their totality as physical, mental, social, and aesthetic beings, which requires knowledge of child growth and development.

D. Staff members, in order to effectively execute their responsibilities, will establish goals for themselves consistent with the philosophy of the Board and individual schools. Staff members will engage in a self-evaluation process for the purpose of self-improvement – the ultimate objective being an improved instructional program for all students.

E. The Board recognizes that this highly technological society demands that students learn how to cope with change and learn to accept that “learning” is a continuous process.

The Board fully accepts the responsibility of formulating policies and acquiring adequate funding to support the education process. The Board will always consider the welfare of students as the single most important factor in making decisions relative to educational policy. It will be the responsibility of the Board and administrators to promote sound educational practices and professional development.

Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A., §§ 1001 (a-A); 4511 (3) (A)

FIRST READING: June 27, 2013
SECOND READING: July 11, 2013
ADOPTION: July 11, 2013